3.0v6 not starting

[cavrs]

Hey all, I have a 3.0L v6 in a 93 Van that will not start. It cranks and cranks and cranks, but does not kick over. When it died, it was on the highway at 70 and just quit working. The fuel filter has fuel in it and is not blocked, the distributor cap is brand new, brand new plugs, and new air filter. What could be causing the problem? I need to get this fixed ASAP, but am completely dumbfounded. Thanks for the help!

[cavrs]

It has compression, it has spark, the timing belt is fine, I would assume it to be a fuel issue, but hey...that is me talking here, not the car.

[turbokid]

You need to verify and check.
What is your fuel pressure? Have you checked for fuel? Spark nice and strong? Timing belt tight? What is the compression? YOu need to be able to absolutely verify this stuff for internet diagnosis. We dont have the car. You do. All we can do is guess from the information that you give us.

[turbokid]

too many variables and questions to be answered before any guess of diagnosis can be justified

[cavrs]

ok, i do not have a compression gauge, but i do know my way around this motor, and the car ran fine before it quit, and has not smelled of blown head gasket. I have checked for fuel, and I have a feeling that it is either coil or wires, or fuel pump, or fuel filter, yet the filter had nothing in it, not restricted, nothing...i would appreciate help, i already know what i do not have, i would like to know what i have, or need to get for the car. surely someone else here has had this problem.

[cavrs]

I cannot read that, can someone translate.

Someone could have the same problems if they had a 3.0L that lived past 200k also with minimal maintenance. Fuel filter is full, I will check on a coil, thanks for the help.

[jory]

Deos the fuel pump prime when you turn the ignition on? Have somebody listen under the van while you turn the key on.

[NAJ]

Nobody has asked the all important question, any fault codes?
When testing for spark hold the coil wire(dist cap end) 1/4" from a good ground and crank the engine for 10 seconds, spark should be strong and consistant, count 1-2 sparks as no spark.
Locate the underhood diagnostic connector and with the key on/engine off ground the DB/YL wire.This will actuate the ASD relay, the fuel pump will run and there will be power at the + coil, injectors and HO2S.
Post back on codes, if no codes what happened when you actuated the ASD?

[cavrs]

the fuel pump primes, no codes, and i will check spark again...how would you recommendi ground that wire for the ASD? and what am i looking for there?

[NAJ]

Just make a jumper wire with a spade connector and an alligator clip and connect it to good ground, battery - if possible.
It will allow you to test the ASD circuit, if power is present at the fuel pump(it will run constantly), + coil and at the DG/BK wire at the injectors the ASD circuit is fine.
If that tests ok disconnect your ground wire and with a test light connected to - batt probe the + coil while cranking and power should be present.
If power is not present the controller is not seeing a crank signal.The controller will not actuate the ASD after the initial key on/1 second fuel pump run until it sees a crank signal.
If after checking for spark again and you find you do not have spark be sure the distributor is turning.
Post back what you find.
Remember diagnosing a no start is a matter of determining what is missing, fuel, air, spark, compression, all in the right amounts at the right time.

[cavrs]

I will do this and report back. It may be a few days, but I appreciate the help NAJ. A No Start, the culprit is most always either spark or fuel, but here it may be a crank signal...I miss carbureted motors, those did not have all this electronic crap. Thanks again!